from those who are using our Mills, &c. Manufacturing the outfits of
grinding mills being our special business, it has been our custom to
keep regularly informed by correspondence as to any objections or
defects there could be in our work, and the results are numerous
answers, which we have endeavored to print worded the same as they
appear in the letters. In some cases, of course, the ideas are somewhat
disconnected, as they were not written for the special purpose of
publishing, but it is the facts that we are after, and they
unquestionably show that our efforts to make the BEST MILL NOW OFFERED
are a success, besides imparting much valuable information, some of the
writers having spent half a lifetime in the milling business. All of
these letters may be seen on file at our office, and the mills in their
respective places in constant use.
Two 36 Inch Geared Mills.
CEDAR POINT, Chase Co., Kansas, Dec. 12, 1869.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co:--
Agreeably to your request we write to inform
you how we are getting along with our mill. We started our wheat burrs
on the first inst. We had promised our customers we would do this months
ago. We run through just enough of our own wheat to fill the mill and
get the flour started, and then commenced on grist work. The first was a
grist of spring wheat. We took one-sixth toll and made 30 lbs. of flour
per bushel, which was pronounced by the owner the best he had ever had
in Kansas, and he is an old resident here. We have been grinding
regularly since, and in no instance have we heard one word of complaint.
On the contrary, we are fast gaining a reputation, and the prospect for
lively times with us is most flattering. This and the adjoining counties
are full of wheat, and there is a very large scope of new country to be
supplied south and west of us. We have already made about one hundred 98
lb. sacks of flour for ourselves, and have sold the most of it. It is
evident we are not going to be able to do the work with one run for
wheat. We have only run ten days, and our flour has already gone from
twenty to sixty miles. We think that you will agree with us that our
mill is a perfect success. We set up the burrs ourselves, and got Mr.
Britton of Cottonwood Falls Mills to assist us in getting the other
machinery in line. What is the least in cash at which you can furnish us
a Bolt like the one we have, with Elevators, Gearing, &c., and a Geared
30 inch Corn Mill? Hoping to hear from you soon, we are,
Yours respectfully,
O. H. DRINKWATER & Co.
In January, 1871, the above firm ordered a 16 feet double reel bolt, and
another mill; they were shipped soon after, and we have another letter
dated as follows:
CEDAR POINT, Chase Co., Kansas, April 9, 1872.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co:--
The mill machinery we purchased of you gives first-rate satisfaction.
The two run of three feet geared mills we run with a 48 inch Leffel
wheel under 7 feet head while at work, and grinding 10 bushels per hour
on each mill. The 2½ feet under-runner corn mill we run with a 35
inch Leffel wheel under same head, and grind 15 bushels of corn into
fine meal per hour with ease. This same wheel runs both the single and
double reel bolts that you sent us, as well as the other machinery of
the mill excepting the two wheat stones. Our works are all of your make,
and we have been running since the 1st of December, 1869, and are well
satisfied with the whole outfit. They have been used almost constantly
to do our grinding which is considerable and on the increase. We do as
good work as any mill in the State, and any one wanting good works in
this line, we would recommend to you.
DRINKWATER & SCHRIVER.
It is the Best Machinery for Custom Work.
ETNA GREEN, Kosciusko Co., Ind., Feb. 3, 1870.
NORDYKE, MARMON & Co:--
_Gents_:--Will say in reply to your inquiry, the 36 inch Mill I bought
of you in November, 1869, gives entire satisfaction. I can average ten
bushels an hour, and the 22 ft. Bolt does the separating of the bran and
flour complete; the work is giving general satisfaction. The 26 inch
feed Mill is all you recommend them to be. The Smut and Separating
Machine is the best, I verily believe, in use. It is sure pop on cheat
and rotten wheat; and, in short, all filth. I will say it makes the
wheat fit for grinding, complete. I did grind twenty bushels in seventy
minutes, by the watch, and did good work, on the 36 inch mill. My mill
is driven by a 7¼ inch by 16 inch cylinder engine, and boiler 16 ft.
long, 4 feet in diameter with three flues. I can make an average on the
two run of 22 bushels per hour. With two cord of wood will grind on the
two run over two hundred bushels. I have been engaged in the flour
milling business for twelve years, and would say, the above described
machinery is the best I have found for custom work; this is my main
business.
CHARLES FRIBLEY,
Miller and Proprietor.
Pulley Mills--No better in the State of Ohio.
JOHNSVILLE, Montgomery Co., O., Jan. 24, 1870.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co:--
I have two of your mills, with bolt, and smut machine, 36 inch for
wheat, upper-runner, and 30 inch under-runner cock-head mill for corn;
have been running them constantly since August, 1868. I have taken hold
of the mill myself; I can make more flour to the bushel than the miller
I had. I have made 40½ pounds of the best of flour out of a bushel of
wheat and toll one-eighth. I have had splendid luck in grinding. My
miller had run me out of custom, but I am restoring it again. I have got
the burrs in better order than they ever were; can grind close and make
the best of flour. I can take a bushel of the best Tappahannoc wheat and
make 47 pounds of splendid flour. I have made 42 pounds of common red
wheat and tolled one-eighth, which would be 5¼ pounds added to 42
pounds, making 47¼ pounds of good flour. I have been awfully
humbugged in getting poor millers; have made but little and lost custom.
The first time I dressed the wheat burr, I run the corn stone all
day-ground buckwheat, and cracked the wheat burr in one day. She then
ground splendid and clean at the rate of ten bushels per hour.
A. CLEMMER.
Under a more recent date we quote from another letter: “I am running the
mills yet with better success than ever, making good flour and large
yields. On several tests have made 47½ lbs. lately of excellent flour
from ordinary red wheat. If you could give me some information about
keeping the furrows in the stones in order to grind cool and fast, I
would be thankful; as far as keeping in tram and cracking the face, I am
doing very well. I grind close and bolt clean. I have taken 60 lbs. of
good white wheat and made 50 lbs. of flour. What do you think of this?
The farmers say I can beat any mill they have tried. Please answer, and
give me all the instruction you can. It may be best for me to get a No.
1 Dresser to work on the furrows some, and I may catch items by it. I
have an order from New York for 100 bbls. of flour at this time. I would
like to exchange a half dozen of those light picks you sent me for heavy
ones, and pay the difference. I like a 2 pound pick the best for light
cracking.
Yours truly,
ANDREW CLEMMER.”
Three Geared Mills. No Expense for Repairs.
GREEN CAMP, Marion Co., O., March 22, 1870.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co., Richmond, Ind.:--
It gives us pleasure to write that we have used the Mills furnished us
by you, since May 28, 1868--two 42 inch Wheat, one 30 inch Corn
under-runner. The Wheat Mills have run ever since without one cent
repairs, and without any apparent wear--the balance being so perfect,
and being put up in so substantial a manner. They give entire
satisfaction, always doing their work in the best possible manner. The
two 22 feet Bolts are all that we could wish, doing their work well,
without one cent’ repair. The Corn Stone, under-runner, 30 inches, will
do double the work of 42 inch upper-runner Corn Mills, and do the work
_well_. The Smut Machine always does its work well. The work was all put
up in so substantial a manner by your James Albertson that we have never
made any repairs, only to replace perforated zinc on Smut Machine. Our
flour always brings the highest prices.
Yours, respectfully,
FOSTER & KANABLE.
Cannot do Better.
WESTFIELD, Hamilton Co., Ind., Jan. 8, 1869.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.:--
_Gentlemen_:--In answer to your letter of inquiry of Dec. 30. Your mills
are doing well, they are giving as good yields and better flour than the
large, old style mills. Your 30 inch upper-runner mills for wheat, grind
from six to ten bushels of wheat per hour, and your 36 inch mill from
eight to twelve bushels of wheat per hour. By crowding a little when the
stones are sharp, will grind much more than I have stated. Your bolts
and smut machines work well; your mills run light, considering the work
to do. A 15 horse power engine, 8 by 16 inch cylinder, will drive two
run of your 30 inch mills,--60 pounds of steam,--and will drive them
twelve hours with one cord of wood. I think all wanting mill machinery
cannot do better than to order from the “Richmond Mill Works.”
Yours, respectfully,
DAVID CAREY.
36 Inch Geared Mill, 20 feet Bolt and Smutter.
NEW MAYSVILLE, Putnam Co., Ind., March 1, 1869.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.:--
_Sirs_:--I must tell you about the mill that I got from you. I am well
pleased with it. I can grind from twelve to fifteen bushels per hour,
and make first-class flour. I have run twelve hours with a half a cord
of wood. I have a good custom and still gaining. I have done the best
work with your mill that has been done in this country. There are
several mills around me. I have stopped some of them from running; they
get nothing to do in the line of custom-work. If I gain in work for the
next six months, like I have for the last, I will have to get another
mill. I am getting all I can grind now.
Yours,
LEWIS W. GEORGE.
Mr. George’ mill is driven by a large sized Portable Engine.
N., M. & Co.
From same place we hear from Mr. George again under date of March 20th,
1872. I am still running the mill here that I got of you. I am looking
for a larger engine, and can you give me information as to prices, size,
&c., for three run of stones, same size as you sent me before? Suppose
your prices and terms are the same. I have ground 100 bushels per day on
this one on the average, and use ¾ cord of wood per day. I have
regular customers that come by the doors of my competitors. Here they
say they get better flour and more of it than at the old style water
mills, and their own flour from their own wheat. In the four years that
I have used your mill I have had but one item or bill of repairs to
foot, which was one set of wood cogs. I often grind 15 bushels per hour,
and do good work, but find the bolt will not clean it so well at this
speed of grinding. I like your larger bolts, as improved, much better. I
grind when the stones are in average condition as to sharpness 8 to 10
bushels per hour, and satisfy all in quality and yield of flour. There
are two mills at Bainbridge, 7 miles, and two others, 6 and 7 miles in
other directions, so you see I have competition all around me. Now,
give me figures on the other mills, with your improvements. I have been
a miller over 20 years and want a model job.
Yours, respectfully,
L. W. GEORGE.
One 3½ ft. Wheat Mill, and One 30 inch Corn in Combined Husk.
SPEIER, Blue Earth Co., Minn., July 16, ’72.
NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.:--
_Gentlemen_:--I started my mills on the fourth day of July. It gives
entire satisfaction. It over-reaches your recommendation. My miller says
he thinks the burrs the best he ever saw. I think I will be able to meet
my note promptly at the expiration of the sixty days given.
Very respectfully,
GEO. W. WOODHAM.
Corn Mill and Portable Engine.
CANOLA, Howard Co., Kansas, June 17, 1872.
NORDYKE, MARMON & Co., Richmond, Ind.:--
_Gents_:--Yours of 7th inst. is received, and will say in answer, that
our mill came through all right and complete, excepting the hopper
frame, which we mended without any expense, consequently did not report
it. After thoroughly trying the mill, have to say that it fully comes up
to the warrant, and beats it, as we can grind from 25 to 30 bushels per
hour of good merchantable meal, with our Gaar, Scott & Co.’s fifteen
horse engine and 80 lbs. of steam, and if we were to buy another mill it
would be of the same brand.
Respectfully, yours,
MORGAN & LATTA.
What an Old Mill-Wright Says.
GUTHRIE, Lawrence Co., Ind., June 27, 1872.
_Gents_:--
The grist mills we purchased of you that we are using, are all right.
Our miller has followed mill-wrighting and milling for 30 years with us,
and he says that a better mill never run than the “Richmond Mill and
Bolt,” as they are now improved.
KINSER & WHISENAND.
MOSES FRENCH, Miller and Millwright.
The Nordyke or Richmond Mill, Stands the Test.
BOXLEY, Hamilton Co., Ind., June 21, ’72.
NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.:--
_Gents_:--At your request I will write you what I am doing with the mill
you made. My engine is a 10×18 inch cylinder, boiler 42 inches diameter
and 20 feet long, with two large flues, and the stones, if you
recollect, are one of your heavy husk, 3 feet upper-runner mills for
wheat, and one of your 30 inch under-runner for corn and feed, and with
one and a half cords of wood every ten hours we can grind the week
through 10 bushels per hour on the wheat stone, and 20 bushels per hour
of corn on the corn stone. It has now been over four years since this
mill was started, but it does better work now than then, because of its
better management. I have new customers almost every week from near
other mills. It is no mistake, I make better flour--and my millers have
discovered it--than any of the larger mills through this country. I
need another run of wheat stones and bolts, as with them I could manage
the whole with my engineer and miller, and do about double the wheat
grinding with but little additional expense. Out of the wheat of the
year before last I made 40 pounds of flour from weighed wheat per
bushel, after tolling one-eighth; from last year’ wheat I could not do
it, it being rather light in this section.
Yours very truly,
RILEY WILSON.
Its Equal Cannot be Found in the State.
GREENFIELD, Ind., Dec. 23, 1869.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.:--
_Gentlemen_:--Yours of 23d inst. came to hand this date and contents
noted. Our mill gives perfect satisfaction, and must say we don’ think
its equal can be found in the State, of its size. Our smut mill can’ be
beat. We would cheerfully recommend your mills to any one that
contemplates building or refitting, in preference to any other mill. Our
old mill was burned on the night of July 3. We commenced cutting timber
for the new mill July 17, and the building was ready for the machinery
August 7; machinery set up and running October 12, and during the time
of setting up machinery one week was lost by the sickness of your
mill-wright. The machinery of our other mill was made in Cincinnati, but
it does not at all compare in finish and usefulness to our present
mills. We now run three pair of stones, and grind faster on each of
them, with less fuel, than we did on two pair before. We have two pair
of 36 inch wheat burrs and one pair of 30 inch corn burrs in one of your
Combined Mill Husks with long spindles; all three are under-runner
cockhead mills. They are driven by eight inch belts, with tightner
pulleys. This way of driving is so convenient for stopping and starting
the burrs, that we would now use no other arrangement. Our two Bolts are
single reel, 22 feet long. We have ground fifteen bushels per hour on
each of the wheat mills, and twenty bushels per hour on the corn stone.
When the wheat mills are in moderate order we consider ten to twelve
bushels per hour a fair speed for grinding and bolting, and making a
good yield. Our customers often get 40 and 41 pounds of flour to the
bushel after tolling. Our Engine is 10½ inch cylinder and 20 inch
stroke; it runs 110 revolutions per minute. Eighty pounds of steam will
drive all three run with ease. It requires about four cords of wood to
convert five hundred bushels of wheat into prime flour. We can say but
little more in relation to our mill, other than this, that any one
contemplating building a mill would do well to see our mill before
building; would be pleased to have you come out and see our mills run,
and should you have occasion at any time to refer people to us, would be
happy to show them our mill and give them what information we are able
to.
Yours, with respect,
WOOD & Co.
On Feb. 14, 1870, Mr. Wood stated to us in person that on Feb. 12, they
ground twenty bushels of corn into nice family meal in forty-three
minutes, or at the rate of nearly _thirty bushels per hour_.
N., M. & Co.
Another Letter Near Three Years Afterwards.
GREENFIELD, Hancock Co., Ind., May 18th, 1872.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.,
_Gentlemen_:--Yours of 10th inst. came duly to hand; have been so very
busy have not found time to answer sooner. We can only repeat what has
already been said in relation to our mill; it gives perfect
satisfaction. We would not like to be considered vain, but we do think
we have the best mill in the State. Our mill has stood the test of near
three years constant and hard labor, with no perceptible wear.
Yours respectfully,
WOOD & Co.
WM. G. SALLIE, Miller.
This mill is located on the P., C. & St. L. R. R., 20 miles east of
Indianapolis.
URBANA, Ohio, Sept. 20, 1870.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.
_Gents_:--Your mill gives entire satisfaction. Enclosed please find
check on First National Bank of Cincinnati for the full amount of your
bill.
Yours truly,
H. M. CHEW.
36 Inch and 30 Inch Geared Mills.
BROOKSTON, White Co., Ind., Aug. 5, 1869.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.,
_Gentlemen_:--We expressed you the amount of last note on mills
yesterday. We have commenced grinding new wheat, but it is in rather bad
condition yet. We are doing a very good business, and are giving perfect
satisfaction in quality and quantity. We can make from 35 to 40 pounds
of flour per bushel, and grind on an average from eight to ten bushels
per hour. We have a 25 horse power engine, and can run both mills, bolt,
smutter, elevator, conveyors and corn shellers with from 60 to 70 pounds
of steam, and do it with all ease.
Yours, truly,
A. VENCIL & Co.
Oct. 20, 1869, Messrs. Vencil & Co. ordered their third run--a 36 inch
geared mill, together with 20 feet Bolt, No. 1, Richmond Smut and
Separating Machine, Flour Packer, &c.
N., M. & Co.
UNIONTOWN, Bourbon Co., Kansas, Aug. 26, ’71.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.,
_Gents_:--Find enclosed draft on New York for twelve hundred and
eighty-eight dollars and sixty-five cents, which, if you have not
forgotten, is the amount of the first note. Please send it (the note)
with the name torn off. Our mill gives entire satisfaction. Will write
more fully in the future.
FOSTER & KIRBY.
Perfect Custom Flour and Corn Mill.
MONITOR, Tippecanoe Co., Ind., March 1, 1872.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co., Richmond, Ind.:
_Gents_:--We have used your machinery with persevering energy, now
commencing the second year, and have a larger custom patronage than all
of the other four mills nearest us. Our machinery consists of a 42-inch
iron turbine water wheel, under 9 feet working head; one 3 feet
upper-runner mill for wheat; one 30-inch under-runner mill for corn; one
Richmond Smutter with screen shoe separator; one 20 feet bolt, all of
which you made for us.
The wheat mill runner is in such perfect balance that we can run it
within thin paper thickness of the face of bed-stone; thus face to face
it will run with nothing whatever between them to the speed of 270
revolutions per minute. Any grinding mill, no matter how heavy the
runner stone, can be made to do this, if provided with your
improvements; and it pays well to have a mill so rigged. When the hoop
is on our wheat mill, a man standing six feet off and looking at the
nicely turned back, cannot tell that they are running. Not a particle of
jar or shake about them. The self-tram irons are the nicest thing ever
invented; would not do without them for half the price of the whole
mill. With one-third gait we can grind of wheat 8 to 10 bushels per
hour, and make more and better flour to the bushel, than any mill our
Mr. Fretz (in his 18 years of milling experience) has ever seen.
With a full gate it may surprise you to know that we grind of corn on
the corn mill 25 to 40 bushels per hour. Our flour stands the highest of
any that comes to LaFayette. There is no such thing as choking down, as
is so often experienced with other mills. We would advise those wanting
mill machinery to go to the Richmond firm and look before they buy
elsewhere, or they are welcome to see our mills run, which will satisfy
any one that understands anything at all about a mill. It only took us
15 days to set up our mills for running. Our machinery was shipped from
works on the 1st day of February, to Lafayette, and on the 13th we
commenced setting up by the assistance of your mill-wright, and on the
1st day of March, 1871, we started up and run every working day since,
and without any expense at all for repairs or changes. Our pulleys being
balanced, there is no such thing as any of the bearings heating. Our
mills are run with 10 inch belts from upright shaft and pulleys. The
smutter does better work than the Eureka or Silver Creek.
Yours, with respect,
REDINBO, FRETZ & BRO.
D. B. Fretz, } Millers and
W. B. Fretz, } Proprietors.
Three Pair of Burrs in a Combined Husk, with Belts.
MONROVIA, Morgan Co., Ind., Feb. 22, 1870.
NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.:--
_Gents_:--It has been eight months since you re-fitted our mill. We can
run all of the Burrs, (one 42-inch and one 36-inch for wheat, and
30-inch under-runner for corn,) twelve hours on one cord of seasoned
beech or sugar-tree wood. With 50 to 60 pounds of steam we grind on each
Burr eight to ten bushels per hour. Our customers are highly pleased
with their yields and the quality of their flour. In fact, our custom
has more than doubled since the introduction of your mills. On our own
account, we can say, in simplicity, durability and lightness of running
it exceeds our expectations, and, if necessary, at any time can
cheerfully recommend to others wishing mill machinery.
Yours, truly,
HADLEY & TAYLOR.
After Years of Steady use they Say.
MONROVIA, Morgan Co., Ind., May 8, 1872.
NORDYKE, MARMON & Co., Richmond, Ind.:--
It is now three years since we overhauled our mill and put in your
improved machinery; since which time it has been run almost daily as a
custom mill, and in quality and quantity of flour gives universal
satisfaction. In fact, the custom increased one-half since its
introduction. We find it very permanent and durable, as well as tasteful
in style and finish. We can grind at least 10 bushels per hour with each
run of burrs, and use from one to one and a fourth cord of wood in ten
hours’ grinding on all three stones. We would recommend all desirous of
purchasing mill machinery to procure yours, believing their money will
be well invested if they do.
Yours, truly,
HADLEY & TAYLOR.
MADISON, Indiana, May 6, 1872.
_Gents_:--Yours of the 3d inst came duly to hand, making inquiries how
we are pleased with our mills that we purchased of you over three years
since, (we expected to write you before this.) If you remember our Burrs
are sharp old quarry, not very open, and they make very lively flour,
and don’ get dull as soon as most others. Our stones are, two pair of
upper-runner 3 feet mills. We make a barrel of flour with 3 pecks of
coal; we do not know that we could say anything more, excepting that
they work fine, and together with the bolt you made for us, make flour
that we can find ready sale for in any market along with the best
brands. Your flour bolt deserves special mention; with the knockers or
“percussion apparatus,” as you term it, which we can stop or start at
any time while the mill is running, we are able to keep the bolt clean
and bolt through the fine cloth without specking or injuring the flour.
The arrangement of the bolt for clean bolting, we think is your best
effort.
Very truly, yours,
W. W. & B. F. PAGE.
The above is from Madison, Indiana, 60 miles below Cincinnati, on the
Ohio river.
ROCHESTER, Ind., Feb. 14th, 1872.
MESSRS. NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.:--
_Gentlemen_:--Our custom work runs from 60 to 250 bushels per day of
wheat, besides a large amount of corn. Although there are several mills
here, our flour has the preference, and sells more ready than any; the
self-tram irons are perfect. You shall hear from us again.
Yours, truly,
A. L. BOWMAN & Co.
This mill is composed of two run of our 42-inch and one run 30-inch in
combined husk, the two former being upper-runner, latter under-runner.
They use our 20 feet double reel bolt and other supplies for the
complete furnishing of a mill.
Two 30 Inch Pulley Mills.
CARMEL, Hamilton Co., Ind., Jan. 4, 1869.
NORDYKE, MARMON & Co.:--